PS3 and Linux

[MfA]

I definitely don't see that happening, the system would be to open and piracy would run rampid

You could use encrypted code to avoid that.

 

[MfA]

Shipping a Linux which only can run signed code is nonsense, you cant develop and debug on such a system.

Sure you can, the compiler would simply call a bios routine to sign the code for your machine. Piracy isn't the only, or even the biggest, concern. Maintaining the absolute monopoly on licensing for releasing commercial software, which every console manufacturer needs, is a big problem when you let the PS3 run linux.

 

[Phil]

I remember the PS2 linux kit being planned and released a lot later than reading that PS2 was clasified as a computer... As far as I remember, PS2 was classified of being a computer back when it launched in America - around the time we heard those reports of it possibly being used to guide missiles...

 

[Npl]

Sure you can, the compiler would simply call a bios routine to sign the code for your machine. Piracy isn't the only, or even the biggest, concern. Maintaining the absolute monopoly on licensing for releasing commercial software, which every console manufacturer needs, is a big problem when you let the PS3 run linux.

its not as easy as just decrypting the code on runtime, you also have to make also sure you cant touch the decoded code( to dissallow key-reversal, which would be still hard, but alot easier than not being able to analyse source&encrypted data ). Its likely anything encrypted will be from Sony and not run on user-level.

Secondly, I dont thinkSonys primary purpose of the PS3 (Games) will be affected by a Linux-Kit. Gamedevs could theoretically sell Cell-Linux-OpenGL-Games without licenses, but then they would need to code for a more generic target, which in end would still be (for a long time) limited to only a part of the PS3-Users instead of all of them. And it would be easier to pirate those, rather unprotected Games easier (they arent capable to use the PS3-inbuilt authentication).

As soon as they break even with the Hardware, theres no reason not to sell more, even if they wont sell a single Game for it. I believe Sony really wants to bring the PS3 in all Homes.

 

[MfA]

its not as easy as just decrypting the code on runtime, you also have to make also sure you cant touch the decoded code( to dissallow key-reversal, which would be still hard, but alot easier than not being able to analyse source&encrypted data ).

I don't think hard quite covers it ...